OCES

Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund helps older adults in critical need. Fundraising campaign now underway.

October 20, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… With significant increases in the cost of food and energy and a growing number of individuals needing emergency assistance throughout greater Plymouth County area, the non-profit agency Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has kicked off an Emergency Fund campaign to support those most vulnerable in the community.

OCES’ Emergency Fund provides older adults and individuals with disabilities a place to turn to when faced with an emergency that threatens their health and/or living situation.

Whether it’s an emergency medical equipment, inability to pay for necessary medication, home heating fuel or utilities, or another urgent situation, OCES’ Emergency Fund helps meet the needs of at-risk low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities who are in a crisis or emergency situation. All too frequently, these individuals encounter problems that can jeopardize their independence, dignity and well-being.

“Through our Emergency Fund, we have been able to help many older residents in the 23 communities we serve with critical issues such as an empty oil tank, an emergency bill, prescriptions or the purchase of unexpected medical equipment, short-term emergency shelter, and medical transport,” said Nicole M. Long, CEO. “We anticipate there will be significant need, particularly this winter, as higher heating costs may be the tipping point for many older adults who are already at-risk.”

OCES’ goal is to raise $10,000 for the Emergency Fund campaign. Thank you to the Law Office of Paula M. P. Schlosser, as all donations made prior to November 28, 2022, at midnight will be matched.

OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. To make a donation to OCES’ Emergency Fund online, visit www.ocesma.org/donations/
Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund helps older adults in critical need. Fundraising campaign now underway. Read More

Chief Programs Officer at OCES Named a “40 Under 40” Honoree

October 3, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, is a 2022 honoree of Cape & Plymouth Business’ 40 Under 40.

On September 15, 2022, at the 40 Under 40 award celebration held at the Cape Codder in Hyannis, MA, DeLage was honored among other distinguished young business leaders who have made a mark in the region. Cape & Plymouth Business presented DeLage as one of the 2022 honorees for excelling in her industry and showing dynamic leadership characteristics.

DeLage is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Leadership, both from Wheelock College. She began her career at OCES in 2014 as the Home Care Program Manager and was promoted to Program Director in 2016. In 2020, DeLage was promoted to Chief Programs Officer and oversees the agency’s community programs including Adult Family Care, Senior Care Options, Housing, and Nutrition in addition to Home Care, Intake and Referral and Transitions. She is instrumental in OCES’ Internship Program which partners with Bridgewater State University and other local institutions.

DeLage also serves on the Community Benefits Advisory Committee of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth and is on the Board of Directors for the Brockton Visiting Nurses Association.

Outside of work, DeLage is passionate about supporting families navigating the foster care and adoption systems in the state of Massachusetts. Being an adoptive parent herself, DeLage recognizes the complexities of these systems and uses this knowledge to advocate appropriately.

“Alisa is an exceptional leader who is dedicated to supporting older adults and OCES’ mission,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer at OCES. “Congratulations, Alisa on this well-deserved honor!”

DeLage is a resident of Berkley, MA.

About the 40 Under 40 Awards
The Cape & Plymouth Business 40 Under 40 Awards program continues to recognize the tremendous contributions of young professionals to our region. For more information, visit capeplymouthbusiness.com.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Chief Programs Officer at OCES Named a “40 Under 40” HonoreeRead More

Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer of OCES, Honored as she Retires

August 22, 2022 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, announced that Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of OCES, has retired from the organization after 26 years.

Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan honored Ms. DiGiorgi for her leadership, dedication and commitment with an official Proclamation for her 26 years of service during a celebration that included the agency’s Board of Directors and staff at OCES’ Brockton office on Main Street.

Ms. DiGiorgi, who holds an MBA from Northeastern University, began her career at OCES as Finance Director in 1996. At that time OCES had 9 programs, an office on 1 floor of their current building, 80 employees and $7.9 million annual revenue. After her appointment to CEO in 2006, succeeding former Executive Director Edward Donovan, DiGiorgi expertly led OCES through a period of rapid growth and expansion of services and programs, along with increased staff and offices. During this time, she also held positions of Treasurer and Vice President on the Mass Home Care Association and served as co-chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) Committee on Elder and Chronic Homelessness, working to build partnerships that enhance coordination to maximize housing and service resources.

In 2017, OCES’ Board of Directors announced senior management restructuring and made changes to build upon the agency’s strong positive reputation, while continuing to meet consumers’ increasing needs, embracing new opportunities, and encouraging growth within the organization. Ms. DiGiorgi took on the new role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to concentrate primarily on internal business operations and Nicole Long was appointed CEO to concentrate primarily on external relationships.

A Legacy for the Community
During DiGiorgi’s tenure, OCES was honored with several awards and experienced many milestones. In 2007, OCES received the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. In 2009, OCES received the Economic Development Impact Award presented by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, OCES’ Adult Family Care (AFC) Program was awarded a three-year Accreditation status, the highest award available, from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Milestones included creation of the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force; establishment of the first Supportive Housing Program in Brockton; and formalization of an Internship Program with Bridgewater State University – all of which continue today. In 2013, the first Elder Abuse Awareness event was held in Brockton. Healthy Living Workshops and other programs were launched. OCES opened a second office on South Meadow Road in Plymouth, which also houses its dedicated Volunteer Center. DiGiorgi oversaw the purchase and several renovations of the Main Street building which serves as OCES’ corporate office and reflects OCES’ longtime business, economic and community commitment to downtown Brockton.

By 2019, OCES had expanded to 20 programs, two offices, and 244 staff and $58.9 million in annual revenue.

“Diana’s vision, leadership and compassion truly set her apart and it has been an honor working with her over the years,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “Diana played an integral role in building a solid foundation for OCES, upon which we will continue to broaden our reach and expand access for generations to come. Congratulations Diana, and best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement!”

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org

Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer of OCES, Honored as she RetiresRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Hosts Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony

July 12, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON, DUXBURY, EASTON, HALIFAX, HANOVER, KINGSTON, MIDDLEBORO, AND PLYMOUTH, MA…More than 150 volunteers recently attended Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston. Eight volunteers received special awards.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, honored their volunteers, who generously donate their time to help others, with a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Armindo Rocha, Volunteer Programs Manager and Cidalia America, Volunteer Program Assistant hosted the event and presented President’s Volunteer Service – Lifetime Achievement and Annual Gold awards along with OCES’ Make A Difference awards to the eight volunteers.

OCES is a National President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Certifying Organization. The PVSA honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes the impact they make. The PVSA’s highest honor, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing 4000+ volunteer hours in a lifetime, was presented to two volunteers. Joseph Tyler Jr., a resident of Halifax, MA, has impacted others with his smile and sense of humor for many years as a volunteer; and Bill Raymond, a resident of Middleboro, MA, who volunteers by transporting seniors to their medical appointments regardless of location and will volunteer 8 hours a day driving if needed.

The PVSA’s Annual Gold Award, marking 500+ volunteer hours for the year, was presented to four volunteers: Steve Sundell of Easton, MA, a SHINE Counselor for 12 years; Fred Ciliberto of Hanover, MA, a volunteer for many years at the Hanover COA; Walter Hempel of Duxbury, MA, a long-time volunteer of both the Duxbury COA as well as the Project Gurnet & Bug Lights, Inc.; and John Ruthkowski of Duxbury, MA who has been involved with AARP tax preparation for several years, devoting well over 700 hours each year to the Kingston and Duxbury COAs to prepare taxes for more than 250 clients.

The Make a Difference Award is given by OCES and the RSVP-PC to recognize exceptional volunteers for their dedication to helping others making a big impact on the community. This award was presented to: John Durnan of Duxbury who has been traveling to Brockton to deliver meals since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020; and G. Mike Pauley of Brockton who is a longtime volunteer at the Caffrey Towers and Campello High Rise buildings in Brockton and was instrumental in delivering meals during the pandemic.

“We truly appreciate all of our volunteers for their dedication to helping others, assisting those in need in our communities, and making the world a better place,” said Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Manager.

More about the PVSA
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too. Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.

As an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee, OCES receives funds through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for volunteers age 55+. RSVP of Plymouth County (RSVP-PC) volunteers help OCES and other local agencies that are OCES Community Service Partners.

Volunteering for OCES
Our Volunteer Program supports OCES and other Community Service Partners. With the help of Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 1,800 meals each weekday as part of its MOW Program. Money Management Program (MMP) volunteers assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases, negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, MMP and RSVP Community Advisory councils and contribute with many other important efforts.

To learn more about becoming an OCES volunteer contact Armindo Rocha at 508-584-1561 x355 or visit ocesma.org.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 24 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Hosts Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards CeremonyRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New ASAP Programs Director

July 10, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND WHITMAN, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has appointed Jodie McDonald as Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) Programs Director.

In her new role, McDonald will oversee management of Home Care, Information and Referral, and Nursing departments. This includes assisting with procedural and policy implementation along with changes for departments based on EOEA contracts and regulations and collaborating with department management to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. She will also facilitate trainings and assist with quality assurance and compliance.

Previously, McDonald served as an Adult Family Care Manager at Cardinal Cushing Centers in Pembroke, MA where she conducted home visits with developmentally disabled individuals and their caregivers. For two years prior to that, McDonald was the Assistant Director of Home Care and Medicare at South Shore Elder Services (SSES) in Braintree, MA where she supervised Home Care and Medicaid case managers and supervisors, assisted with compliance and quality measures, and oversaw SSES’ ANCHOR Program.

McDonald received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Framingham State University and a Master of Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She is a member of PSI CHI, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

She is a resident of Whitman, MA.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 24 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New ASAP Programs DirectorRead More

OCES and Staff Honored with Community Awards

June 30, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND WEYMOUTH, MA… In a virtual Awards Ceremony held on June 8, 2022, Community Services of Greater Brockton honored Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) with the “COVID-19 Agency Hero Award” and OCES staff member Jordan Stocker, a South Weymouth resident, with the “Excellence In Human Services Award”.

With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, MA, OCES is a non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout a service area of 23 communities.

COVID-19 Agency Hero Award
Community Services of Greater Brockton recognized OCES with the COVID-19 Agency Hero Award. This special award, given solely in 2022, recognized OCES for their outstanding service as an agency that personified the spirit of service, courage, justice, and commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even though the agency’s daily operations changed significantly, OCES continued to provide all their pre-pandemic services. They also expanded programs and services to meet the new and changing needs of the community. Essentially, OCES remained open and delivered services throughout the pandemic. With primarily office-based onsite staff prior to COVID-19, OCES converted to a remote workforce within 24 hours.

OCES introduced several new initiatives to address the increasing number of older adults facing food insecurities, including the “Grocery Bag” project and “Grab & Go” Meals. Delivery needs were met by more than 780 dedicated staff and volunteers. OCES also provided the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep consumers, families, and staff safe.

OCES took a leadership role in COVID-19 vaccination education; scheduling vaccination appointments for home-bound older adults and individuals with disabilities; and coordinated transportation for individuals to get to and from vaccine appointments.

“We are incredibly proud that our agency has been recognized with Community Services of Greater Brockton’s COVID-19 Agency Hero Award,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “I would like to thank our extraordinary staff members and volunteers for their heroic efforts which ensured we were able to respond to the needs of the community and continue to fulfill our mission during an extremely difficult time for all.”

The Excellence In Human Services Award
Jordan Stocker, Options Counselor at OCES received Community Services of Greater Brockton’s Excellence In Human Services Award. This award is given to an outstanding employee or volunteer at a Human Services Agency who has at least two years of work experience in Human Services; works directly with clients at least fifty percent of their time; and has been outstanding in their community service and collaboration. Stocker, who joined OCES in 2019, was nominated for this award for his commitment to consumers in the Greater Brockton community, along with his commitment to the OCES Team.

Stocker is dedicated to assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities, and ensuring they are able to access and understand the resources that may be available to them. There is an increased need for assistance as more face housing instability, behavioral health issues, and financial concerns including being able to afford vital medications. Stocker has been asked to join several community groups to collaborate, determine ways to assist those in need, and provide input on concerning issues. He is focused on best serving those who are in need so they may live safely and independently within the community.

According to Alisa DeLage, Chief Programs Officer at OCES, “Even in a moment when he was being recognized for his work, Jordan took the opportunity to highlight the need for affordable housing. Jordan always makes the individuals he serves the priority. We are honored to have Jordan as part of our team and are proud he has received this well-deserved award!”

To learn more about services and resources provided by OCES, visit https://www.ocesma.org

About Community Services of Greater Brockton
Each year, the nonprofit organization Community Services of Greater Brockton holds their Annual Meeting and Community Awards Ceremony. The awards are granted to recipients in the Greater Brockton community in many different categories. For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/communityservicesofgreaterbrockton/

About OCES
Founded in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is a non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 24 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

OCES and Staff Honored with Community AwardsRead More

OCES Receives $5K Donation in Support of Nutrition Program

June 8, 2022 // by admin

AVON, BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… With offices in Brockton and Plymouth, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has received a generous donation from the PPG Foundation on behalf of its aerospace facility located in Avon, MA.

OCES is a nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County as well as Avon, Stoughton and Easton, MA. The PPG Foundation supports local organizations and has made a $5,000 donation to OCES’ Nutrition Program for home delivered meals.

Addressing Food Insecurity
This is the second donation that PPG has made to OCES in support of the Nutrition Program since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the number of home delivered meals dramatically increased in greater Plymouth County and that demand continues as many older adults and individuals with disabilities are experiencing food insecurity. For many who are homebound, the daily home delivered meal also serves as a safety check.

OCES provides 42,000 nutritious meals each month to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within their service area. All meals are planned by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are served in community settings or delivered to individuals.

“We are extremely grateful to the PPG Foundation for their support of our Meals on Wheels program over the past two years,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “PPG’s donation helps us ensure that our most vulnerable residents receive daily nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals.”

For more information about Meals on Wheels or other services, contact OCES’ Information and Referral Department at 508-584-1561.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™
At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $13.3 billion in 2021. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

We protect and beautify the world is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

OCES Receives $5K Donation in Support of Nutrition ProgramRead More

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. OCES Celebrates Nursing Contributions

May 2, 2022 // by admin

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… National Nurses Week is May 6th to May 12th and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recognizes the essential care and contributions that nurses provide to the communities they serve every day.

OCES has been serving the community for 48 years and has a team of 21 Registered Nurses (RNs) who assist older adults and people with disabilities by helping them meet their long-term personal and health goals living in the community.

All OCES RNs may attend the Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) Annual Seminar on May 11th. This event is a yearly tradition that statewide nurses may attend in order to gain nursing continuing education units. Mary Crowe, Care Dimensions Director and Certified Dementia Practitioner, will present an organized learning experience to expand nurses’ knowledge and skills. The continuing education program chosen this year is Caregiving for a Loved One: The challenges and Benefits.

“We recognize and celebrate the contributions of all nurses. Their dedication and care not only strengthens our communities, but makes the world a better place,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The role of nurses is essential and expansive, and the need for nurses continues to increase. OCES recognizes the vital contributions of our nurses and provides them with ongoing support and resources.”

OCES’ RNs provide care to older adults through the Home Care, Transition Support, and Adult Family Care (AFC) programs. RNs conduct individual assessments including health and welfare, medical conditions, fall risk, personal care needs, formal and informal supports, and clinical eligibility for various programs. RNs then draw from community resources and programs in consultation with other OCES staff to help provide specific services needed. There is tremendous collaboration among the various disciplines at OCES as well as providers in the community.

OCES is now hiring Registered Nurses and encourages individuals who support their mission to apply to their growing nursing team.

For more information about OCES, visit www.ocesma.org.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. OCES Celebrates Nursing ContributionsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services launches Campaign for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

April 27, 2022 // by admin

Organizations and public encouraged to participate in Brockton & Plymouth Marches and to display Lawn Signs.

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th. To raise awareness to STOP elder abuse, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) in partnership with Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, the Brockton Council on Aging (COA) and Plymouth Center for Active Living (CAL), has launched a “March Against Elder Abuse” campaign that entails community marches in Brockton and Plymouth along with lawn sign displays during the month of June.

Everyone is welcome to participate! The public, civic leaders, health workers, and community supporters are invited to events in Brockton and Plymouth.

On Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 10:00 am, the OCES WEAAD planning committee will hold a banner-raising ceremony in front of OCES’ offices at 144 Main Street in Brockton to kick off the month-long awareness campaign. The banners will be displayed along a section of Main Street throughout the month of June. Brockton City Hall will also be lit up in purple on June 15th.

On Wednesday, June 15, 2022 OCES, the Brockton COA, and participants will March Against Elder Abuse in Brockton. The March starts at 11:00 am at the Brockton COA, 10 Father Kenney Way, continues along Main Street to OCES’ office then back to the COA for a special Grab & Go lunch with guest speakers. Limited parking is available.

RSVP for the Brockton March and lunch by June 6th: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ej4gwdo674b406fe&oseq=&c=&ch=

On Thursday, June 16, 2022 OCES, the Plymouth CAL and participants will March Against Elder Abuse in Plymouth. The March will begin at 10:30 am outside Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, and proceed down Water Street then back to Tavern on the Wharf for a light lunch and speaking presentation. Metered parking is available off street.

RSVP for the Plymouth March by June 6th: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ej4gqe0e4a3609c0&oseq=&c=&

All events are free and open to the general public. All events will be held rain or shine.

Lawn Sign Displays
In addition to the two Marches, take part in the Lawn Sign Displays! OCES encourages the community to make a difference and display a lawn sign for the month of June, to educate others about who to call to report elder abuse. OCES has created lawn signs with various sayings to raise awareness of elder abuse such as “You Can Make a Difference” and “See Something Say Something – Report Elder Abuse”.

To obtain a complimentary lawn sign, community members can register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ej4l2u2d1a2c61d1&oseq=&c=&ch= . Those who are picking up a sign will be provided with a designated pick-up time. Deadline to claim a lawn sign is May 2, 2022.

Many Sponsorship Opportunities are available to support the “March Against Elder Abuse Campaign” – visit ocesma.org

“We must work together as a community to build awareness of this important issue,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “OCES encourages anyone witnessing elder abuse to report it. Be proactive and be a part of the solution to help end elder abuse.”

Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, neglect, self-neglect, financial exploitation and sexual abuse. During 2021 in Massachusetts, 35,202 reports of elder abuse were made. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. Common risk factors for elder abuse are social isolation, poor physical health and dementia. Nationally, at least $36.5 billion annually is lost by victims of financial abuse according to the National Council on Aging.

OCES Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.

If you have concerns please contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you want to file a report on elder abuse, please contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275.

About WEAAD
WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations in 2006. To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

About OCES
Founded in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is a non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Old Colony Elder Services launches Campaign for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.Read More